| name | extend-time-brief |
| title | Motion to Extend Time to File Brief |
| description | Drafts appellate motions to extend time for filing briefs (opening, answering, or reply) in U.S. appellate courts. Demonstrates good cause through specific verifiable facts, addresses opposing counsel's position, and ensures rule compliance. Use when drafting extension of time motions, appellate deadline extensions, or briefing schedule modifications. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/extend-time-brief |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | litigation |
| language | en |
Motion to Extend Time to File Brief
Drafts a procedural motion requesting additional time to file a brief in an appellate court. Establishes good cause with specific facts and strict compliance with applicable rules of appellate procedure.
Prerequisites
Gather before drafting:
- Case caption — party names exactly as in appellate record, court name, case number
- Current deadline — date from court order or rule
- Brief type — opening, answering, or reply
- Party represented — appellant or appellee
- Extension history — prior extensions sought or granted
- Good cause facts — specific, verifiable grounds (conflicts, complexity, transcript delays)
- Opposing counsel's position — consent, non-opposition, opposition, or unreachable
- Applicable rules — jurisdiction's appellate procedure rules, local rules, standing orders
Document Structure
| Section | Content |
|---|
| Caption | Full party names (exact appellate record format), unabbreviated court name, case number |
| Title | "Motion to Extend Time to File [Brief Type]" |
| Introduction | Moving party, current deadline, proposed new deadline, days requested |
| Argument | Good cause with specific facts; opposing counsel's position |
| Conclusion | Specific relief with exact new date |
| Proposed Order | Per local rules: case caption, new deadline, signature line |
Workflow
- Extract case identifiers, deadlines, and procedural history from materials
- Determine extension number — courts apply heightened scrutiny to repeat requests
- Establish good cause with concrete, verifiable facts (never conclusory statements)
- Check rule compliance (checklist below)
- Draft strongest argument first; descriptive headings; 3–5 pages max
- Verify all dates, formatting, and representations (checklist below)
Good Cause — Required Specificity
Each ground requires concrete detail:
